English

English

English is a core subject and the school follows the statutory requirements for the teaching and learning of writing as set out in the National Curriculum. At West Didsbury CE Primary we value the importance of language and children are given the opportunity and encouragement to take part in a variety of activities as part of the new English curriculum. This enables them to develop their reading and writing skills with confidence and a sense of achievement.

Writing

Writing is an important focus at West Didsbury CE Primary and we ensure it is incorporated across the whole curriculum. We aim to provide a purpose for writing and make topics fun, engaging and inspirational to promote a love for learning. Children are encouraged to not only write to the best of their ability, but also to independently improve and edit their own and other's work.

The children have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of texts to support and enhance their learning. These have been carefully chosen so that the children's progress is structured and appropriate to their ability. A wide range of fiction and non-fiction books are used to develop children's understanding of a range of genres. All aspects of literacy are developed including phonics, comprehension skills, writing, speaking and listening and drama. Where possible these are linked to cross curricular topics..

Writing is assessed each half term and the judgements are moderated frequently to ensure that judgements are accurate.

Reading

Daily guided reading sessions provide regular opportunities for children to practice and develop their skills. Reading in school is supported by home reading. Every child has a reading record that teachers, parents and carers are expected to sign as a record of the child’s reading behaviours and experiences.

We use a combination of reading schemes to promote independent reading. This includes Rigby Star and Oxford Reading Tree materials. These provide a variety of fiction and non–fiction books and extend reading phonetically. Children learn to read at different rates and it is important that children can talk about what they have read. Once they finish the reading scheme, we encourage them to become ‘free readers’ and choose their own books.

Key Stage Two are taught to read using a range of strategies and they continue with the structured phonics programme. We supplement the reading schemes with a wide range of diverse fiction, non-fiction and poetry including classic children’s literature.